The aviation sector is accelerating its efforts to achieve sustainability, with key players leading the charge through innovative strategies and bold investments. International Airlines Group (IAG), one of the world’s largest airline groups, has taken another significant step by entering a decade-long partnership with eSAF producer Infinium. This partnership aligns with IAG’s ambitious commitment to decarbonize its operations and meet its 2030 sustainability targets.
Let’s delve into this transformative collaboration and explore its implications for the aviation industry’s sustainable future.
The Power of eSAF: A Game-Changer in Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has been a cornerstone of aviation’s decarbonization strategy, but Infinium’s power-to-liquid eSAF represents the next generation of this technology. Unlike traditional SAF, which is typically derived from biological feedstocks, eSAF is produced using an advanced process that combines renewable energy, water, and waste CO2 to create fuel.
The result? A groundbreaking solution that offers up to 90% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional jet fuel. By adopting this innovative fuel, IAG reinforces its position as a global leader in sustainability while showcasing the potential of cutting-edge technologies to transform the aviation industry.
Project Roadrunner: The World’s Largest eSAF Facility
Infinium’s eSAF will be produced at its Project Roadrunner facility in West Texas, USA. Once operational, Project Roadrunner will hold the distinction of being the world’s largest eSAF production facility, capable of meeting a significant portion of global demand for this revolutionary fuel.
The project is backed by funding from Brookfield Asset Management and Breakthrough Energy Catalyst, organizations dedicated to scaling sustainable technologies and reducing emissions. This funding ensures that Project Roadrunner will not only support IAG’s decarbonization goals but also catalyze the broader adoption of eFuels across industries.
Infinium CEO Robert Schuetzle emphasized the importance of such long-term commitments in driving the production scale of eSAF:
“Long-term, bankable commitments like these are critical milestones for the airline industry and the development of eFuels as viable alternatives to fossil fuels.”
A Ten-Year Commitment to Decarbonization
The partnership agreement between IAG and Infinium highlights a clear and enduring commitment to sustainability. Set to begin in late 2026, the deal enables any of IAG’s five airlines—Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, LEVEL, and Vueling—to integrate eSAF into their operations.
This collaboration is more than just a procurement agreement; it is a significant step towards achieving IAG’s target of 10% SAF usage by 2030. By securing access to a reliable supply of high-quality eSAF, IAG is better positioned to meet its climate goals while reducing dependency on fossil-based jet fuel.
IAG’s Comprehensive Approach to Sustainability
While the Infinium partnership is a key milestone, it is only one part of IAG’s broader sustainability strategy. The group is leveraging multiple avenues to achieve long-term decarbonization:
- Investments in New Aircraft Technology
IAG is committed to modernizing its fleet with fuel-efficient aircraft that significantly reduce emissions per passenger-kilometer. - Expanding SAF Purchases
As one of the leading SAF consumers globally, IAG continues to prioritize long-term agreements with SAF producers, further scaling the industry. - Advancing Carbon Removal Technologies
IAG actively invests in projects that remove CO2 from the atmosphere, complementing its efforts to cut emissions directly.
By pursuing a multifaceted approach, IAG ensures that its sustainability goals remain robust, achievable, and aligned with the latest advancements in technology and policy.
The Role of Policy in Scaling SAF Production
Despite the promising potential of SAF, including eSAF, the industry faces barriers to widespread adoption, primarily due to cost and limited production capacity. IAG’s Group Sustainability Officer, Jonathon Counsell, highlighted the urgent need for stronger policy support to attract investment in SAF production.
Policies focused on incentivizing SAF production, reducing costs, and promoting innovation are essential to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable alternatives. Without such support, the aviation industry risks losing competitiveness, particularly in regions like Europe, where regulatory costs are already high.
Why This Partnership Matters
IAG’s agreement with Infinium reflects a larger trend within the aviation sector: the recognition that sustainable fuels are critical to achieving climate goals. By committing to eSAF, IAG is not only reducing its own emissions but also sending a strong signal to the industry about the importance of innovation and collaboration in the fight against climate change.
Additionally, Project Roadrunner’s status as the largest eSAF facility in the world positions it as a beacon of progress, demonstrating that large-scale production of next-generation SAF is not just possible but imminent.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Aviation Sustainability
As the aviation industry continues to grapple with its environmental footprint, partnerships like the one between IAG and Infinium serve as a blueprint for success. Key takeaways from this collaboration include:
- The importance of long-term agreements to scale production and build confidence in emerging technologies.
- The transformative potential of eSAF, which not only reduces emissions but also offers a sustainable pathway to meet growing energy demands.
- The need for robust policy frameworks that encourage investment and innovation in sustainable aviation.
By 2030, IAG aims to set a benchmark for SAF integration, demonstrating that decarbonization and competitiveness can go hand in hand.
Conclusion: Taking Flight Towards Sustainability
IAG’s partnership with Infinium represents more than just a procurement deal—it’s a bold statement about the aviation industry’s readiness to embrace sustainable innovation. Through investments in eSAF, modern aircraft, and carbon removal technologies, IAG is charting a path that balances environmental responsibility with operational excellence.
As the aviation sector transitions to a greener future, collaborations like this will play a vital role in reducing emissions, scaling sustainable solutions, and fostering a culture of accountability.
The journey to net-zero aviation is complex, but with visionary leadership and innovative partnerships, the industry is proving that sustainability is not just an aspiration—it’s the destination.